Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words

This page describes Sumatinatha’s life before initiation which is the eighteenth part of chapter III of the English translation of the Sumatinatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Sumatinatha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Part 18: Sumatinātha’s life before initiation

Since his mother’s mind was brilliant while he was in her womb, his father gave the Master the name Sumati. Cherished by nurses appointed by Indra the Lord of the World passed his childhood and attained youth. Three hundred bows tall, broad-shouldered, with branches in the form of arms hanging to his knees, the Lord looked like a living kalpa-tree. Women’s eyes move constantly like fish in the clear stream of the Master’s loveliness. Knowing that he had pleasure-karma and also because of his father’s importunity, the Lord married princesses of beautiful appearance. Ten lacs of pūrvas after his birth, the Lord assumed the excessive burden of the kingdom at the King’s request. As king the Master spent twenty-nine lacs of pūrvas and twelve aṅgas as pleasantly as if in Vaijayanta.

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